Born: 1939 (Nahalal, British Mandate of Palestine)
Biography:
Yaël Dayan is an Israeli politician and author who has made significant contributions to society through her political activism and literary work. Born on February 12, 1939, in Nahalal during the British Mandate, she comes from a family with a rich legacy. Her father, Moshe Dayan, was a prominent military leader and politician, while her mother, Ruth Schwartz, hailed from a distinguished family.
After serving as a Captain in the Spokesperson’s Unit in the Israel Defense Forces, Dayan pursued her education. She studied international relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and biology at the Open University of Israel, displaying her intellectual curiosity and versatility.
Dayan first gained recognition as an author and newspaper columnist, showcasing her talent for compelling storytelling and insightful commentary. She wrote columns for prominent publications like Yedioth Ahronoth, Ma’ariv, Al HaMishmar, and Davar. Throughout her career, she has published five novels, demonstrating her literary prowess. Additionally, she penned a memoir titled Israel Journal: June 1967, which chronicles her experiences during the Six-Day War. She also wrote a biography of her father entitled My Father, His Daughter, which sheds light on the complex relationship between father and daughter.
Dayan’s journey in politics began as she became a peace activist and joined the leadership of Peace Now, an organization dedicated to promoting peace and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. She actively participated in various peace initiatives, including Bat Shalom and the International Center for Peace, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Dayan’s commitment to peace extended beyond Israel, as she delivered lectures worldwide on topics related to peace and security.
In addition to her work for peace, Dayan took up the cause of human rights, women’s rights, and LGBT rights in Israel. Her efforts were instrumental in advancing legislation against sexual harassment in the 1990s. Dayan’s commitment to equality and social justice made her a powerful advocate for marginalized communities.
In 1992, Dayan’s political career took off as she was elected to the Knesset on the Labor Party list. She served as the chairwoman of the Committee on the Status of Women, where she championed women’s rights and fought for gender equality. Her contributions to Israeli society were recognized through her re-election in 1996 and 1999, as a member of the alliance between Labor, Meimad, and Gesher known as One Israel. In 1999, Dayan assumed the position of chairwoman of the Committee on the Status of Women for a second time, solidifying her role as an advocate for women’s rights.
Dayan’s dedication to public service extended to municipal politics as well. In 2004, she headed the Meretz list in the Tel Aviv municipal elections. Her party emerged victorious, winning five out of 31 seats on the council and joining Ron Huldai’s coalition. She served as Deputy Mayor until 2008 when she took on the responsibility of social services. However, her political career ended in 2013 as Mayor Huldai did not include her on his list of candidates for the election.
Throughout her journey, Dayan has remained an influential figure in Israeli society. Her commitment to peace, human rights, and social justice has inspired many, leaving a significant impact in the realm of women’s history. Her contributions as an author, politician, and advocate reflect her dedication to creating a better and more egalitarian society.